The release schedule for one of the most anticipated cinematic projects in Indian cinema, the epic saga Ramayana, has been officially revealed. Produced by Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, this ambitious two-part cinematic venture is slated to arrive in theaters around the festive season of Diwali. According to the announcement made by the filmmakers, the first installment of this grandeur-filled epic will hit global screens on November 6, 2026, exactly two days prior to Diwali. Meanwhile, the second chapter is targeted for a theatrical release around Diwali 2027, though the confirmed date for the follow-up remains to be finalized.
Condensing an Ancient Epic into a Two-Part Cinematic Event
Audience excitement surrounding the legendary narrative has reached new heights. Lead actor Ranbir Kapoor recently reflected on the monumental task of adapting such a vast cultural epic into a two-film structure. He noted that even ten full-length feature films would be insufficient to cover the entire depth of the Ramayana text. Consequently, capturing the core essence of the narrative across just two cinematic installments presented an immense creative hurdle for the production team.
Addressing the core values of the story, Ranbir Kapoor emphasized that a timeless narrative like the Ramayana does not require modern alterations or tweaks to appeal to contemporary viewers. He highlighted that the epic has guided society for thousands of years, carrying enduring life lessons centered on courage, the victory of righteousness over evil, forgiveness, deep compassion, and the destruction of personal ego.
The Footwear Dilemma: Barefoot Scenes and Digital Edits
Sharing behind-the-scenes details regarding the production phase, the actor recounted an intriguing practical challenge encountered during filming. In alignment with the traditional storyline, Lord Ram's brother Bharat places the sacred wooden sandals on the royal throne, vowing that they would remain there until the return from exile. As a direct result of this narrative detail, Ranbir Kapoor's character spent the majority of his on-screen duration depicted barefoot.
Executing intense action sequences and movement on rough, uneven terrain proved to be physically demanding without foot protection. To navigate the rugged outdoor surfaces during high-energy shots, the actor wore rubber slippers while filming the scenes. Because the project heavily utilizes advanced visual effects handled by DNEG, the footwear was seamlessly erased digitally during post-production editing, ensuring the final visual presentation shows the character completely barefoot.
Star-Studded Cast Lineup and Casting Discussions
Public anticipation expanded further following the initial preview footage, where Ranbir Kapoor earned widespread appreciation for his portrayal of Lord Ram. However, the casting of Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita sparked commentary from veteran actress Dipika Chikhlia, renowned for her iconic portrayal of Sita in Arun Govil's classic television adaptation of the Ramayan, who raised questions regarding the casting choices.
The cinematic spectacle features an expansive ensemble of prominent actors. Alongside Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, and Kannada superstar Yash taking on the role of Ravana, the film boasts a high-profile supporting cast. The lineup includes Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, and Kunal Kapoor in pivotal roles.
